CA ACR259

Proclaims October 9th as Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) Awareness Day in California.

Encourages California citizens to become informed and aware of PANS, a condition where antibodies from infections mistakenly attack the basal ganglia in the brain, causing neuropsychiatric symptoms such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and tics.

Recognizes that nearly 1 percent of the pediatric population in the United States suffers from PANS and that misdiagnosis often leads to ineffective psychiatric treatment that ignores underlying infections.

Acknowledges that families affected by PANS face challenges including misdiagnosis, difficulty locating medical experts, limited access to treatment, and high treatment costs.

Directs the Chief Clerk of the Assembly to transmit copies of the resolution to the author for distribution.